Camping in Sri Lanka
Camping in Sri Lanka ranges from rough and remote to fully catered, and both have their fans. In the highlands, sites near reservoirs and on cooler ridges give clear night skies and cold mornings, while the edges of the national parks are home to safari camps where you fall asleep to the sounds of the bush.
Wild camping is possible in places but rules and safety vary, especially near wildlife, so many travelers choose an organised camp or a park site with a guide. Bring warm layers for highland nights, which get genuinely cold, and always follow local guidance where elephants or other animals are around.
Camping to visit in Sri Lanka
- Gallways land Camping site — Gallways Land Camping Site is a peaceful nature retreat located in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, surrounded by the cool climate and lush greenery of the central highlands. Situated near Galway’s Land National Park, the campsite offers visitors a chance to enjoy the beauty of the hill country while staying close to nature.
- Hanthana Mountain Range — A scenic range of seven peaks on the edge of Kandy, an environmental protection area laced with trails through grassland, pine and tea, popular for day walks.
- Namunukula Peak — The highest peak in the Uva highlands at 2,036 metres, a ridge whose name means nine peaks, with huge views over Badulla, Ella and, on clear days, the east coast.
Frequently asked questions
- Can you camp near the national parks?
- Yes. Yala, Wilpattu and Udawalawe have designated campsites and private safari camps on their fringes, usually booked as part of a guided safari package.
- Do you need warm clothing for camping?
- In the highlands, yes. Nights around Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains can drop close to single digits, so pack proper warm layers even though the lowlands stay hot.